Yep.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Key Word: Unlawfully
You are hereby presented with a choice. You can go read Ann Coulter's essay on the difference between firing service-providers in the real world and the prospect of firing guvmint workers in the not-real world:
"Obamacare, you will recall, will be administered by the same people who run the Department of Motor Vehicles. They will operate under the same self-paced, self-evaluated work rules that have made government offices the envy of efficiency specialists everywhere.
And no one will be able to fire them -- unless they're caught doing something truly vile and criminal, such as stealing from patients in nursing homes.
Oops, I take that back: Government employees who rob the elderly also can't be fired.
The Los Angeles Times recently reported that, after a spate of burglaries at a veterans hospital in California several years ago, authorities set up video cameras to catch the perpetrators. In short order, nurse's aide Linda Riccitelli was videotaped sneaking into the room of 93-year-old Raymond Germain as he slept, sticking her hand into his dresser drawer and stealing the bait money that had been left there.
Riccitelli was fired and a burglary prosecution initiated. A few years later, the California Personnel Board rescinded her firing and awarded her three-years back pay. The board dismissed the videotape of Riccitelli stealing the money as "circumstantial." (The criminal prosecution was also dropped after Germain died.)"
CONTINUE to TownHalldotcom....
Or, you can watch this public-service video.
"Obamacare, you will recall, will be administered by the same people who run the Department of Motor Vehicles. They will operate under the same self-paced, self-evaluated work rules that have made government offices the envy of efficiency specialists everywhere.
And no one will be able to fire them -- unless they're caught doing something truly vile and criminal, such as stealing from patients in nursing homes.
Oops, I take that back: Government employees who rob the elderly also can't be fired.
The Los Angeles Times recently reported that, after a spate of burglaries at a veterans hospital in California several years ago, authorities set up video cameras to catch the perpetrators. In short order, nurse's aide Linda Riccitelli was videotaped sneaking into the room of 93-year-old Raymond Germain as he slept, sticking her hand into his dresser drawer and stealing the bait money that had been left there.
Riccitelli was fired and a burglary prosecution initiated. A few years later, the California Personnel Board rescinded her firing and awarded her three-years back pay. The board dismissed the videotape of Riccitelli stealing the money as "circumstantial." (The criminal prosecution was also dropped after Germain died.)"
CONTINUE to TownHalldotcom....
Or, you can watch this public-service video.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Piss On The Taliban
If a United States Marine wants to make water on a dead Talibaner, the family of said Talibaner should thank the Marine. These Afghan fighters are enemies of the Marines. But, (and correct me if I'm wrong here) I don't believe they have the gumption to even wear a uniform, choosing instead to blend in as pretended civilians so as to ambush Marines and other US Soldiers.
Hillary Clinton has the audacity to be offended at a video of Marines urinating on room-temperature bad-guys.
Fuck you, Hillary.
Where's your righteous indignation regarding Eric Holder's DOJ culpability in the death of US Border Patrol agent Brian Terry, vis-a-vis the Fast & Furious gunwalker scandal?
And if anyone accepts the very small leap that the Obama administration (including Mz Clinton), all the way to the top, bears complicity in Fast & Furious (which I, for one, do), it isn't too implausible that they played a hand in this mess. I firmly believe the Clintons are absolutely capable of orchestrating the whole episode.
Really? Marines just happened to be filming themselves taking a piss on the enemy? I'm not too surprised (or even disappointed they did it, if they in fact did); I'm just shocked they'd be dumb enough to both A) film the event, and B) get busted for it. It's much easier to believe they aren't even Marines, but actually a few misplaced Bradley Mannings.
And we hear that this may gum up the planned talks (as in "negotiations"?) with the Talibaners? What, for the love of Pete, do Americans have to discuss with these guys that some well-placed water-boarding can't effect?
Hillary Clinton has the audacity to be offended at a video of Marines urinating on room-temperature bad-guys.
Fuck you, Hillary.
Where's your righteous indignation regarding Eric Holder's DOJ culpability in the death of US Border Patrol agent Brian Terry, vis-a-vis the Fast & Furious gunwalker scandal?
And if anyone accepts the very small leap that the Obama administration (including Mz Clinton), all the way to the top, bears complicity in Fast & Furious (which I, for one, do), it isn't too implausible that they played a hand in this mess. I firmly believe the Clintons are absolutely capable of orchestrating the whole episode.
Really? Marines just happened to be filming themselves taking a piss on the enemy? I'm not too surprised (or even disappointed they did it, if they in fact did); I'm just shocked they'd be dumb enough to both A) film the event, and B) get busted for it. It's much easier to believe they aren't even Marines, but actually a few misplaced Bradley Mannings.
And we hear that this may gum up the planned talks (as in "negotiations"?) with the Talibaners? What, for the love of Pete, do Americans have to discuss with these guys that some well-placed water-boarding can't effect?
Friday, January 6, 2012
America vs. Obama
I enjoyed the Iowa Caucus, and even the results, because I wasn't looking at it as "I really want this guy to win" or "I really want this guy eliminated," as much as I felt like any of them would be an infinitely better leader that the pathetic excuse currently occupying the White House.
Would that that headline were so, it'd be a relatively easy fight. And make no mistake, that's exactly the nuts and bolts of this coming election: Obama wins and America dies. End of story.
But the headline isn't true, or at least it isn't complete. More accurately, it should read: America vs. Obama and His Fawning Media. Because with only a modicum of objectivity, Big Media would be all over the combined malfeasance and ineptitude of this administration.
Fred Barnes, in The Weekly Standard, says there will be six more televised debates by the end of January. Add four more by the end of March, already scheduled. In order, those debates come courtesy of ABC, NBC, FOX, CNN, NBC, CNN, CNN, CNN, NBC, and PBS.
Yikes.
With the obvious possible exception of Fox News, don't you honestly expect the moderators' questions to be geared toward emphasizing the individual faults of the candidates, and stirring the slightest antipathy between them, rather than any of their comparitive strengths vs Obama? The only way their candidate (The One) stands a chance is if they continue promoting his narrative. That is, they'll ask questions that paint the candidates (and GOP) in the worst possible light in order to avoid any light at all hitting their guy.
Here's a list of ten questions I wish they'd ask (or I would ask, given the opportunity):
Let's go straight down the line with 10 seconds for each candidate. Off the top of your head, if you count being Senator of Illinois as one, and President as the other, how many MORE jobs have you actually had in your lifetime than Obama's two?
Which do you think is a more egregious offense, experimentally implementing Romneycare as a trial balloon solution in a very liberal state or forcing Obabamamacare down the throats of the entire nation, in spite of its heated opposition?
Follow-up question, show of hands...Which of you would, immediately upon being sworn in, grant waivers regarding Obamacare to all 50 states and begin working toward repealing it completely?
How many rounds of golf did you play last year, while you should/could have been working? Alternative question, how much vacation travel did you and your family enjoy last year at the expense of the American people?
If you and a Marine and Nancy Pelosi were all getting on an elevator, how many of you would still be standing when the elevator doors opened?
Could you envision your home congregation inviting the "Reverend" Jeremiah Wright to deliver a guest sermon?
If Bill Ayers, George Soros, Cass Sundstein and Michelle Obama were all swept away in a flood, but you could save only one of them, would you A) order a pizza, or B) go to a movie?
Obama once said he'd convened a panel of experts to determine "whose ass to kick." What odds would you give each of your fellow candidates in a bare-knuckle match versus Obama? What odds would you give yourself?
Would you be in favor of waterboarding Eric Holder?
Pick any of the following and tell whether they would endorse you or Obama:
*Bin Laden
*George Washington
*Martin Luther King, Jr.
*Josef Stalin
*Adolph Hitler
*John Wayne
*Kim Jong Il
*Flight 93 passenger Tom Burnett, Jr
*Milton Friedman
*King Solomon
*King Leonidas
If asked to moderate any of those planned debates, I'll gladly see about moving some things around to make it happen. It'd be the best debate evah!
What question would you ask?
Would that that headline were so, it'd be a relatively easy fight. And make no mistake, that's exactly the nuts and bolts of this coming election: Obama wins and America dies. End of story.
But the headline isn't true, or at least it isn't complete. More accurately, it should read: America vs. Obama and His Fawning Media. Because with only a modicum of objectivity, Big Media would be all over the combined malfeasance and ineptitude of this administration.
Fred Barnes, in The Weekly Standard, says there will be six more televised debates by the end of January. Add four more by the end of March, already scheduled. In order, those debates come courtesy of ABC, NBC, FOX, CNN, NBC, CNN, CNN, CNN, NBC, and PBS.
Yikes.
With the obvious possible exception of Fox News, don't you honestly expect the moderators' questions to be geared toward emphasizing the individual faults of the candidates, and stirring the slightest antipathy between them, rather than any of their comparitive strengths vs Obama? The only way their candidate (The One) stands a chance is if they continue promoting his narrative. That is, they'll ask questions that paint the candidates (and GOP) in the worst possible light in order to avoid any light at all hitting their guy.
Here's a list of ten questions I wish they'd ask (or I would ask, given the opportunity):
Let's go straight down the line with 10 seconds for each candidate. Off the top of your head, if you count being Senator of Illinois as one, and President as the other, how many MORE jobs have you actually had in your lifetime than Obama's two?
Which do you think is a more egregious offense, experimentally implementing Romneycare as a trial balloon solution in a very liberal state or forcing Obabamamacare down the throats of the entire nation, in spite of its heated opposition?
Follow-up question, show of hands...Which of you would, immediately upon being sworn in, grant waivers regarding Obamacare to all 50 states and begin working toward repealing it completely?
How many rounds of golf did you play last year, while you should/could have been working? Alternative question, how much vacation travel did you and your family enjoy last year at the expense of the American people?
If you and a Marine and Nancy Pelosi were all getting on an elevator, how many of you would still be standing when the elevator doors opened?
Could you envision your home congregation inviting the "Reverend" Jeremiah Wright to deliver a guest sermon?
If Bill Ayers, George Soros, Cass Sundstein and Michelle Obama were all swept away in a flood, but you could save only one of them, would you A) order a pizza, or B) go to a movie?
Obama once said he'd convened a panel of experts to determine "whose ass to kick." What odds would you give each of your fellow candidates in a bare-knuckle match versus Obama? What odds would you give yourself?
Would you be in favor of waterboarding Eric Holder?
Pick any of the following and tell whether they would endorse you or Obama:
*Bin Laden
*George Washington
*Martin Luther King, Jr.
*Josef Stalin
*Adolph Hitler
*John Wayne
*Kim Jong Il
*Flight 93 passenger Tom Burnett, Jr
*Milton Friedman
*King Solomon
*King Leonidas
If asked to moderate any of those planned debates, I'll gladly see about moving some things around to make it happen. It'd be the best debate evah!
What question would you ask?
Monday, January 2, 2012
Not Too Late
For a worthwhile New Years resolution. You're probably a wonderful person, just as you are, even if you eat too many procrastinations, drink too many cigarettes, or smoke too much caffeine.
A RESOLUTION
We hereby recognize that the presidency of Barack Hussein Obama has been a disaster. The corruption, incompetence and lack of experience demonstrated by the President, his advisers and allies in the U.S. Congress and the American news media have made Americans worse off economically and have damaged our alliances around the world and placed us at a disadvantage in relation to our enemies.
Four more years of this failed, corrupt and recklessly radical presidency would impart lasting and irreparable damage on the fabric of this country and expose us to further economic decline and dangers from overseas.
Therefore, we hereby resolve...
Additionally, you can resolve to read more at Mike's America, Hillbilly White Trash, and On Motivation & Chocolate, any of which will make you feel smarter than a Holiday Inn Express.
NOTE: One caveat I had to Mike's Resolution is that if Kooky Ron gets the nomination, I'll support a scheme to launch a third party and camp out on Chris Christie's lawn until he agrees to run.
A RESOLUTION
We hereby recognize that the presidency of Barack Hussein Obama has been a disaster. The corruption, incompetence and lack of experience demonstrated by the President, his advisers and allies in the U.S. Congress and the American news media have made Americans worse off economically and have damaged our alliances around the world and placed us at a disadvantage in relation to our enemies.
Four more years of this failed, corrupt and recklessly radical presidency would impart lasting and irreparable damage on the fabric of this country and expose us to further economic decline and dangers from overseas.
Therefore, we hereby resolve...
Additionally, you can resolve to read more at Mike's America, Hillbilly White Trash, and On Motivation & Chocolate, any of which will make you feel smarter than a Holiday Inn Express.
NOTE: One caveat I had to Mike's Resolution is that if Kooky Ron gets the nomination, I'll support a scheme to launch a third party and camp out on Chris Christie's lawn until he agrees to run.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
An Even Better Film
There was one thing, however...
The one good thing to come from these past three years is the confirmation that the worst and most sinister enemies of America will come, not from abroad, but from within. And that they won't actually look like wolves, but will be dressed in warm, disarming smiles accompanied by soothing and gentle voices.
Tip o' the cap to From the Barrel...blogging excellence in Durham.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
LETTERLAY
Know what this is?
No, what?
It's a piece of Leverite.
A what?
Leverite. Know what I'm gonna do with it?
No. What?
I'm gonna leverite there.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Flight 93 Blogburst-9/23/2011
Flt 93 mother on Crescent jury: "I don't want to reach out to those people! THEY MURDERED MY DAUGHTER!"
Alec Rawls, who has been working with Tom Burnett Sr. to stop the Crescent of Embrace memorial to Flight 93, explains the circumstances (related by Mr. Burnett in 2008, but not published until now).
Mr. Burnett had been telling his fellow design competition jurors that the crescent is a well known Islamic symbol. In addition to the giant central crescent (now called a broken circle) Tom also objected to the minaret-like Tower of Voices. "I made a point at that meeting," says Mr. Burnett, "to tell people that we have an Islamist design here that can't go forward, please, stay with me."
Alec Rawls, who has been working with Tom Burnett Sr. to stop the Crescent of Embrace memorial to Flight 93, explains the circumstances (related by Mr. Burnett in 2008, but not published until now).
Mr. Burnett had been telling his fellow design competition jurors that the crescent is a well known Islamic symbol. In addition to the giant central crescent (now called a broken circle) Tom also objected to the minaret-like Tower of Voices. "I made a point at that meeting," says Mr. Burnett, "to tell people that we have an Islamist design here that can't go forward, please, stay with me."
Monday, September 19, 2011
Thank You, Sir
I was able to join a friend who had tickets to a recent game in Chapel Hill, two Saturdays ago versus Rutgers. My friend also had his 7-year-old in tow, and they did some of the 7yo stuff at Tar Heel Town, while I went off in search of some cool refreshments.
Walking around Tar Heel Town, I went right past the soon-to-be-former Athletic Director having his lunch sitting on the steps of one of the campus buildings. I immediately wished I'd have stopped and said hello, but he was eating...and I try mind my manners to the point of not being a bother to someone mid-meal.
I did hustle my way back around THT and tell my friend about who I'd just seen. Really? No way.
Yeah, really...and way.
But, I regretted not slipping back by and manufacturing a way to shake his hand.
Later, though, I would get my wish when my friend had to take the youngun to the little fellers room. I was standing in the shade just inside Kenan Stadium. And, right by me walks Mr. Baddour.
"Mr. Baddour," I say, "thanks for all you've done for this University."
Walking around Tar Heel Town, I went right past the soon-to-be-former Athletic Director having his lunch sitting on the steps of one of the campus buildings. I immediately wished I'd have stopped and said hello, but he was eating...and I try mind my manners to the point of not being a bother to someone mid-meal.
I did hustle my way back around THT and tell my friend about who I'd just seen. Really? No way.
Yeah, really...and way.
But, I regretted not slipping back by and manufacturing a way to shake his hand.
Later, though, I would get my wish when my friend had to take the youngun to the little fellers room. I was standing in the shade just inside Kenan Stadium. And, right by me walks Mr. Baddour.
"Mr. Baddour," I say, "thanks for all you've done for this University."
He actually thanked ME for asking him for the photo-op! Remarkable.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Still A Slap in the Face
It's not a memorial to the passengers who overtook the hijackers of Flight 93...It's a giant Mihrab (or Mosque) on the 2200 acres of ground in Shanksville, PA.
It is a California architect's attempt to redeem the four hijackers, and symbolically complete their mission. It is oriented to face vistors towards "Mecca". It mockingly suspends the "souls" of the forty passengers and crew between heaven and earth, and glorifies the acts of the terrorists.
Any pretense to the contrary is a lie.
I refused to help build this thing, because I recognized the design for what it was, and knew enough of the story behind it. I hoped that my stance would empower others to shun this as a disgrace, but it hasn't worked out that way.
But I still hold out hope that opposition to this farce can gain some traction, reverse course, and abort the project.
In the meantime, there's no reason to celebrate any kind of anniversary this week. It was all bad ten years ago, and nothing good has come from it. The best thing that happened that day was the handful of guys who did what I'd have done: storm the cockpit and kill the bad guys. And their memory is being perverted for the benefit of the despicable.
A slap in the face.
For more, read Alec Rawls' recent blog. Then, find a way to help fight it.
It is a California architect's attempt to redeem the four hijackers, and symbolically complete their mission. It is oriented to face vistors towards "Mecca". It mockingly suspends the "souls" of the forty passengers and crew between heaven and earth, and glorifies the acts of the terrorists.
Any pretense to the contrary is a lie.
I refused to help build this thing, because I recognized the design for what it was, and knew enough of the story behind it. I hoped that my stance would empower others to shun this as a disgrace, but it hasn't worked out that way.
But I still hold out hope that opposition to this farce can gain some traction, reverse course, and abort the project.
In the meantime, there's no reason to celebrate any kind of anniversary this week. It was all bad ten years ago, and nothing good has come from it. The best thing that happened that day was the handful of guys who did what I'd have done: storm the cockpit and kill the bad guys. And their memory is being perverted for the benefit of the despicable.
A slap in the face.
For more, read Alec Rawls' recent blog. Then, find a way to help fight it.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Shameful
UNC fired Coach Butch Davis yesterday. News conference is set for 11am today.
UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp says that there isn't new dirt on the Coach, but wants us to believe and accept that Carolina's reputation is eroding by his continued tenure. I'm not buying into that math.
If there is/are new reason(s) for his firing, the school's supporters have a right to know about them. If not, then Thorp has done the University, the football program, and all of college athletics a disservice in firing a man of otherwise unquestioned integrity. And one who also recently had his (Thorp's) public vote of confidence.
Ultimately, Holden Thorp couldn't police a bunch of youngsters any better than Butch Davis or the next guy that gets the job. But hey, thanks for sucker-punching our team's prospects for this year, Thorp, and for making the next coaching candidate think twice about coming to Carolina.
Unless the Chancellor tells of something more egregious than "lost confidence in our ability to come through this without harming the way people think of this institution", I'll be more inclined to think the firing a political one to curry favor with the snidely and dispicable NCAA.
In the meantime, I still support Coach Davis, and am ashamed at the move by Thorp. I suspect there was pressure from the NCAA for a live sacrifice. And I believe that possibility a lot more than I believe in his stated perception of some ubiquitously harmed thought.
In other words? Bullshit, Thorp.
12NOON UPDATE: After hearing Thorp talk out of the side of his mouth during that press conference, I say Double Bullshit.
Either there are infractions directly committed by Coach Davis that warrant his dismissal (and Thorp isn't making public), or... There is pressure coming from the newly sworn Board of Trustees, or... There is pressure from the NCAA.
My impression of Thorp is that he should have grown a backbone, or he's the one who should be out of a job. He has the nerve to say that these actions actually help the University move beyond the scandal? No sir. If anything, those actions exacerbate and prolong the feelings of inept leadership in Chapel Hill. They circumvent any concept of due process. They harm the reputation of the University. They effectively neuter the confidence of this year's team, not to mention the fragile psyches of recruits. And they make finding a new coach that much harder. Way to go, asshat.
Black day.
UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp says that there isn't new dirt on the Coach, but wants us to believe and accept that Carolina's reputation is eroding by his continued tenure. I'm not buying into that math.
If there is/are new reason(s) for his firing, the school's supporters have a right to know about them. If not, then Thorp has done the University, the football program, and all of college athletics a disservice in firing a man of otherwise unquestioned integrity. And one who also recently had his (Thorp's) public vote of confidence.
Ultimately, Holden Thorp couldn't police a bunch of youngsters any better than Butch Davis or the next guy that gets the job. But hey, thanks for sucker-punching our team's prospects for this year, Thorp, and for making the next coaching candidate think twice about coming to Carolina.
Unless the Chancellor tells of something more egregious than "lost confidence in our ability to come through this without harming the way people think of this institution", I'll be more inclined to think the firing a political one to curry favor with the snidely and dispicable NCAA.
In the meantime, I still support Coach Davis, and am ashamed at the move by Thorp. I suspect there was pressure from the NCAA for a live sacrifice. And I believe that possibility a lot more than I believe in his stated perception of some ubiquitously harmed thought.
In other words? Bullshit, Thorp.
12NOON UPDATE: After hearing Thorp talk out of the side of his mouth during that press conference, I say Double Bullshit.
Either there are infractions directly committed by Coach Davis that warrant his dismissal (and Thorp isn't making public), or... There is pressure coming from the newly sworn Board of Trustees, or... There is pressure from the NCAA.
My impression of Thorp is that he should have grown a backbone, or he's the one who should be out of a job. He has the nerve to say that these actions actually help the University move beyond the scandal? No sir. If anything, those actions exacerbate and prolong the feelings of inept leadership in Chapel Hill. They circumvent any concept of due process. They harm the reputation of the University. They effectively neuter the confidence of this year's team, not to mention the fragile psyches of recruits. And they make finding a new coach that much harder. Way to go, asshat.
Black day.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Great
I just wonder if the folks making this claim have ever been to Austin. Or, if Austin was made aware of the competition...
Saturday, May 21, 2011
All Points Bulletin
Drankin likker can make a sumbitch's face grow crooked. Don't believe me? Check out this guy...
Daniel Boone was a surveyor and explorer. Betcha didn't know that.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
If You Liked Ronald Reagan
I think you'll like this guy, too.
Meet Herman Cain...
The founder of Godfather's Pizza (man, that was some good eatin'), wants to be President. And I would love to see it happen.
Check out his Presidential Exploratory Committee website, and let me know what you think.
Meet Herman Cain...
The founder of Godfather's Pizza (man, that was some good eatin'), wants to be President. And I would love to see it happen.
Check out his Presidential Exploratory Committee website, and let me know what you think.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
First Impression
As I've written here before, I'm a movie fanatic on a long, self-imposed exile from the cinema. The quality of the experience when I quit going to see those first runs on the big screen had gotten to be too little gained for too much spent. I've purchased hundreds of DVDs in the time between, but stuck to my boycott without regret. But just now, the film we've all waited for longer than my lifetime has come into existence. And I'm here to report on whether it was worth breaking the strike.
I fetched up Freckles and her first-born yesterday, and we all went to the picture show. We rode an hour and a half, and had to dodge some Interstate highway gum-ups, incorporated a stop at Bass Pro (since I was to be right there at it, there was a fish net needed getting), had a fine meal, and settled in to see Atlas Shrugged.
I'll try to spoil as little as possible, but can say I was satisfied with how the movie-makers adapted a 54-year-old story to show to a 2011 audience. And I think I'll see it at least once more before giving a full-fledged review. There were elements that I immediately felt could have been a fraction better (a bit of the dialog seems hurriedly delivered, a little subtlety would do wonders), and I'd like to have seen an hour's worth of enhanced character development (not that everyone else would, of course). But by and large, it was an excellent first installment of the 3-part series.
My two accomplices had not read the book, but were anxious for Part II. And judging from the lively discussion we had on the long ride home, they caught on well to Mrs. Rand's themes, drawing parallel after parallel with their modern world. And when it's all said and done, it is not for ourselves, those of us who've read Atlas, that we hope this film appeals, but that it does so to those who don't yet know the whole story and its importance.
If you only know Ayn Rand rhetorically, or if you read Anthem and/or The Fountainhead (or saw that movie) and couldn't make yourself endure the magnum opus, or if you tried to read Atlas and gave up for whatever reason, you should see the film. Those of us who did enjoy the book and have yearned for the movie, were given a treat, and should certainly consider seeing it a couple times. An 8PM screening, and no younguns kicking my seatback, and no other distractions. All-in-all, a very enjoyable movie-going experience. Can't wait for Part II.
It is worth noting that 1 week ago, there wasn't a theatre listed to be showing Atlas anywhere in North Carolina. That's changed due in large part to fans demanding that it be shown. Go here to find your nearest screen, or to demand that it be shown in your area. It was worth it to me to drive that far, and it's certainly worth your speaking up to get it shown.
Again, it's not just for you.
I fetched up Freckles and her first-born yesterday, and we all went to the picture show. We rode an hour and a half, and had to dodge some Interstate highway gum-ups, incorporated a stop at Bass Pro (since I was to be right there at it, there was a fish net needed getting), had a fine meal, and settled in to see Atlas Shrugged.
I'll try to spoil as little as possible, but can say I was satisfied with how the movie-makers adapted a 54-year-old story to show to a 2011 audience. And I think I'll see it at least once more before giving a full-fledged review. There were elements that I immediately felt could have been a fraction better (a bit of the dialog seems hurriedly delivered, a little subtlety would do wonders), and I'd like to have seen an hour's worth of enhanced character development (not that everyone else would, of course). But by and large, it was an excellent first installment of the 3-part series.
My two accomplices had not read the book, but were anxious for Part II. And judging from the lively discussion we had on the long ride home, they caught on well to Mrs. Rand's themes, drawing parallel after parallel with their modern world. And when it's all said and done, it is not for ourselves, those of us who've read Atlas, that we hope this film appeals, but that it does so to those who don't yet know the whole story and its importance.
If you only know Ayn Rand rhetorically, or if you read Anthem and/or The Fountainhead (or saw that movie) and couldn't make yourself endure the magnum opus, or if you tried to read Atlas and gave up for whatever reason, you should see the film. Those of us who did enjoy the book and have yearned for the movie, were given a treat, and should certainly consider seeing it a couple times. An 8PM screening, and no younguns kicking my seatback, and no other distractions. All-in-all, a very enjoyable movie-going experience. Can't wait for Part II.
It is worth noting that 1 week ago, there wasn't a theatre listed to be showing Atlas anywhere in North Carolina. That's changed due in large part to fans demanding that it be shown. Go here to find your nearest screen, or to demand that it be shown in your area. It was worth it to me to drive that far, and it's certainly worth your speaking up to get it shown.
Again, it's not just for you.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Better.
Well, I said that I'd try to do better. How about a few observations from the world of sports?
ITEM NO. 1
Great news out of Chapel Hill, the big guys are sticking around. I read where someone was touting the potential continued successes of those mid-major schools (Butler,et al), due to the presumed continued trend of "one-and-done" players in the marquee programs, but not so with Zeller and Henson. I predict Barnes stays, too.
ITEM NO. 2
What's more pathetic (for a sports fan) than having your biggest/closest news resource be of the McClatchey syndication? Answer: nothing. Because they're more intent on social engineering, the Charlotte Observer's sports staff keeps pretending that Cam Newton is a viable choice as the #1 overall draft pick. See, it's their job to establish public palatibility for a black quarterback, not maintain objective reportage.
Hey kids, I've got nothing against Cam Newton, and don't care what the heritage of my team's QB is (remember that I'm a big Armanti Edwards fan). Okay, maybe I don't quite believe his insulation from the whole pay-to-play scheme for which his father took all the heat, but I'm just not sold on his talent. In fact, I don't think he'd be less of a project than Jimmy Clausen. I still prefer his teammate Nick Fairley at the top spot, and as a fillable need for the Panthers, and I'd take Cam Newton...just not as the numero uno. The only way I'd take Newton is if there's a team out there (there isn't) that would package their first and second round picks for him alone. Or if Cincy will give up Carson Palmer?
ITEM NO. 3
The biggest crybabies in the ACC are up to their same old shite. Again. They fired their perfect symbol of mediocrity (Cindy "Butterball" Lowe) down at NoClassStateU, and before the new guy even gets to show how mediocre he can become in such a bile-filled environment their idiot Athletic Director starts throwing mud at...wait for it...the University of Maryland's Head Coach, Gary Williams, for sabotaging their coaching search. Allrighty then Debbie Yow, you've got a bug up your ass about Gary Williams. But seriously, imagine you're Mark Gottfried. He's sitting there, getting ready to go to work for the Wusspack and his AD is telling folks that they'd have gotten who they wanted were it not for Maryland's head coach sabotaging their efforts. How's that for a vote of confidence?
ITEM NO. 4
As usual, I'll be rooting for Freddie to take another green jacket. I hope Woods putts it in the water (again), and misses the cut. I hope Hootie Johnson sneaks up on Rickie Fowler and bitch slaps his hat around straight. I hope Kelly Tilghman suffers a terrible allergic reaction to azaleas, and leaves Augusta...never to return.
ITEM NO. 1
Great news out of Chapel Hill, the big guys are sticking around. I read where someone was touting the potential continued successes of those mid-major schools (Butler,et al), due to the presumed continued trend of "one-and-done" players in the marquee programs, but not so with Zeller and Henson. I predict Barnes stays, too.
ITEM NO. 2
What's more pathetic (for a sports fan) than having your biggest/closest news resource be of the McClatchey syndication? Answer: nothing. Because they're more intent on social engineering, the Charlotte Observer's sports staff keeps pretending that Cam Newton is a viable choice as the #1 overall draft pick. See, it's their job to establish public palatibility for a black quarterback, not maintain objective reportage.
Hey kids, I've got nothing against Cam Newton, and don't care what the heritage of my team's QB is (remember that I'm a big Armanti Edwards fan). Okay, maybe I don't quite believe his insulation from the whole pay-to-play scheme for which his father took all the heat, but I'm just not sold on his talent. In fact, I don't think he'd be less of a project than Jimmy Clausen. I still prefer his teammate Nick Fairley at the top spot, and as a fillable need for the Panthers, and I'd take Cam Newton...just not as the numero uno. The only way I'd take Newton is if there's a team out there (there isn't) that would package their first and second round picks for him alone. Or if Cincy will give up Carson Palmer?
ITEM NO. 3
The biggest crybabies in the ACC are up to their same old shite. Again. They fired their perfect symbol of mediocrity (Cindy "Butterball" Lowe) down at NoClassStateU, and before the new guy even gets to show how mediocre he can become in such a bile-filled environment their idiot Athletic Director starts throwing mud at...wait for it...the University of Maryland's Head Coach, Gary Williams, for sabotaging their coaching search. Allrighty then Debbie Yow, you've got a bug up your ass about Gary Williams. But seriously, imagine you're Mark Gottfried. He's sitting there, getting ready to go to work for the Wusspack and his AD is telling folks that they'd have gotten who they wanted were it not for Maryland's head coach sabotaging their efforts. How's that for a vote of confidence?
ITEM NO. 4
As usual, I'll be rooting for Freddie to take another green jacket. I hope Woods putts it in the water (again), and misses the cut. I hope Hootie Johnson sneaks up on Rickie Fowler and bitch slaps his hat around straight. I hope Kelly Tilghman suffers a terrible allergic reaction to azaleas, and leaves Augusta...never to return.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)